Discover Southwest Washington Living with Inspire Homes: Your Affordable Dream Home Awaits
Southwest Washington is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, growing communities, and affordable living. Whether you’re drawn to the region’s rolling hills, lush forests, or proximity to the Pacific Coast, Southwest Washington has a lot to offer. And if you’re dreaming of building a custom home here, Inspire Homes is ready to help you make that dream a reality—without breaking the bank.
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Why Choose Southwest Washington?
Living in Southwest Washington means embracing a lifestyle where nature is always at your doorstep. From serene coastal views to majestic mountains, you’ll never be far from the outdoors. The region offers access to charming small towns and a peaceful way of life, while still being close to urban amenities in places like Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR. It’s the ideal location for families, retirees, and anyone looking for a balance between affordability and quality of life.
In addition to the natural beauty, Southwest Washington boasts a favorable real estate market, offering the opportunity to find affordable land for your custom home build. Whether you’re looking for a quiet rural retreat or a home in a blossoming community, this region has something for everyone.
Over the past decade, home prices in Southwest Washington have more than doubled, driven by increased demand and migration from more expensive urban areas like Seattle and Portland. Between 2013 and 2019, counties like Thurston, Lewis, and Cowlitz saw steady growth as buyers sought affordable housing alternatives. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, with remote work and a desire for more space driving up prices, especially in rural and suburban areas. By 2022, many counties experienced double-digit price increases, with median home prices nearly doubling compared to 10 years prior.
A County-by-County Guide to Living in Southwest Washington
Inspire Homes proudly serves a variety of counties across Southwest Washington. To see a full list of where we build, click here to explore the areas we cover. From South King and Pierce counties to Southwest Washington counties like Lewis, Pacific, and Jefferson, we’ve got you covered.
Each county offers its own unique benefits, and we can help you find the ideal spot to call home. Whether you prefer a more rural atmosphere or the convenience of a growing community, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
South King County
South King County offers a blend of urban and suburban living, with proximity to Seattle and Tacoma. Residents enjoy affordable housing options compared to Seattle, making it a great choice for those who want access to urban job centers without the high cost of living. The area also benefits from extensive public transit options, including Sound Transit and bus systems, making commuting convenient.
Pierce County
Pierce County provides diverse housing options, ranging from urban life in Tacoma to more suburban and rural living in places like Puyallup and Eatonville. Housing in Pierce County is more affordable than in nearby King County, making it a desirable choice for families. It also has a strong military community thanks to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which brings in jobs and a supportive environment for military families.
Thurston County
Thurston County is home to Washington’s capital, Olympia, which offers a vibrant arts and culture scene along with government job opportunities. Residents also enjoy the county’s access to outdoor recreational activities, with lakes, Puget Sound, and hiking trails nearby. Thurston County is known for its affordability compared to its northern neighbors, making it an attractive place for those seeking a balance between nature and small-town living. Thurston County saw substantial growth, with the median home price rising from around $240,000 in 2013 to $500,000 in 2023, driven by demand in Olympia and surrounding areas.
Mason County
Mason County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including Hood Canal, forests, and lakes, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The county offers affordable housing options and a peaceful, rural lifestyle. It’s a great location for those who enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring the outdoors.
Kitsap County
Kitsap County offers a unique blend of suburban and rural living, with convenient ferry access to Seattle, providing a balance between quiet living and urban job opportunities. With Naval Base Kitsap nearby, the county has a strong military presence and related job opportunities. Residents also benefit from proximity to Puget Sound and various outdoor activities. Kitsap has seen robust growth in prices. The median home price was around $270,000 in 2013, and by 2023, it had risen to over $600,000.
Lewis County
Lewis County is ideal for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle. With small towns like Chehalis and Centralia, the area offers affordable housing and access to outdoor recreation, including Mount Rainier and Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It’s a perfect choice for people looking for a slower pace of life and an active connection with nature. Lewis County started with very affordable housing in 2013, around $160,000. By 2023, prices had risen to approximately $370,000, reflecting both inflation and growing interest in rural living.
Pacific County
Pacific County offers coastal living with towns like Long Beach and Ocean Park. Residents enjoy affordable housing and a peaceful lifestyle, all within reach of the Pacific Ocean. The area is known for its tourism appeal, especially for seasonal activities like clam digging and beach-going, making it a great choice for those who love living by the sea.
Grays Harbor County
Grays Harbor County is known for its affordable housing and access to the Pacific Coast, with Ocean Shores being a popular destination. Residents benefit from a variety of outdoor activities, from forest hikes to beachcombing. The county provides a quiet and scenic lifestyle, perfect for those who want to live near the coast while remaining close to nature.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County, particularly the town of Port Townsend, is known for its scenic beauty, Victorian architecture, and vibrant arts community. It’s a cultural hub with a strong sense of history and a welcoming atmosphere. With access to outdoor activities and proximity to Olympic National Park, it’s an ideal spot for those who value both natural beauty and artistic culture.
Cowlitz County
Cowlitz County is known for its affordability and proximity to Portland, making it an attractive option for those who want access to a larger city without living in it. With small towns like Longview, residents enjoy a quiet, community-focused lifestyle. The county offers a relaxed pace of life while being close enough to benefit from Portland’s job market and amenities. Proximity to Portland has made Cowlitz County a desirable location. The median home price in 2013 was about $185,000, and by 2023, it had reached around $420,000.
Building Your Affordable Dream Home with Inspire Homes
At Inspire Homes, we understand that building a custom home should be within reach for families of all sizes and budgets. That’s why we’re committed to helping you design and build the perfect home, tailored to your unique needs, without compromising on quality.
We offer a wide range of floor plans that fit various lifestyles and budgets, from cozy family homes to larger, more luxurious options. Our team will guide you through the entire process, from selecting the ideal plan to customizing the features that matter most to you. Start with one of our floor plans or bring your own.
Contact Our Land Specialist for Guidance
One of the first steps in building your dream home is finding the right piece of land. That’s where our land specialist comes in. If you’re not sure where to start or need assistance in finding the perfect location for your new home, our expert is here to help. They will work with you to find land that fits your budget and preferences, ensuring that you’re ready to build in a location that complements your lifestyle. Looking for land? Click here
Let Inspire Homes Bring Your Dream to Life
Building a home in Southwest Washington is not just a dream—it’s an achievable goal with Inspire Homes by your side. From finding the perfect plot of land to designing and building a beautiful, custom home within your budget, we are here to make the entire process as seamless as possible.
Ready to start your journey? Contact us today to speak with our land specialist or browse our available home plans. Let’s build the home you’ve always envisioned in the beautiful Southwest Washington region.
